The Cat’s Meow: South Africa’s First Rescue Cat Cafe Opens in Somerset West

The global craze has finally made its way to Cape Town, but this one is a little different

The cuteness and Instagram-worthy moments that cat cafes in Asia offer have made the experience something almost every traveller adds to their holiday bucket list. But what if we told you that you didn’t need to book a trip to Singapore to enjoy this novel teatime activity?

You’ll just need to take a drive to Somerset West where South Africa’s very first cat cafe has opened its doors. Cat Heaven Rescue Cat Cafe was first thought of by Valerie Steinmann after four visits to Japan. She eventually brought the concept over to South Africa. But of course, it’s not the average kind.

Opposed to the beautiful breeds often seen in Asia’s cat cafes, Steinmann’s kitty haven has rescue cats that will join you for your afternoon tea. The cafe is their home, so they’ll actually be hosting you for a cuppa. And of course, you’ll get and give a lot of love from the cats.

They’re not a regular cafe, so they don’t prepare or serve food on site, but you can enjoy tea, coffee, waters and soft drinks, as well as some biscuits to nibble on. They’ve also got free Wi-Fi, so you can work and study in the company of some comforting kitties.

If you fall in love with a cat (or two), you’ll be able to “adopt” one of the felines at the cat cafe. You’ll pay a monthly fee of R120, which will help cover the costs of their food and medical care. The cats will stay on the premises, and you’ll be able to visit them two days a week for two hours per day.

#CapeTownMagNew is a long-standing project that is dedicated to discovering exciting new places in and around our pretty city. We tell their stories, find out what they offer, and delve into what makes them unique. From cafés and restaurants to trampoline parks and dog hotels, there is always one new place in the city that we uncover each week. You can follow #CapeTownMagNew on Twitter and Facebook and subscribe to our newsletter to track recent features or read more here about more Hot Spots and New Restaurants in Cape Town and Surrounds.